Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Tailgating: Delicious Recipes and Sustainable Tips for Game Day

When I arrived at college I wasn’t much into sports, but the atmosphere and camaraderie quickly converted me into a football fan. Arguably one of the best parts of football season are the tailgates. However, trying to plan a delicious and efficient tailgate can be a challenge, and even more so if you are a plant-based eater. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the winning playbook of essential tips for your plant-based tailgate. 

Plant-Based Powerhouse Dishes: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Every Fan

Whether you are a plant-based eater for health purposes, trying to reduce your carbon footprint, or wanting to make your tailgate more inclusive for fans with dietary restrictions, there is a plant-based dish that can help you score points with the whole team. 

Beyond Burgers and Brats: Delicious Plant-Based Alternatives for Tailgating Fun 

• Buffalo cauliflower: It wouldn’t be a proper tailgate if at least one dish wasn’t buffalo flavored. Instead of buffalo chicken dip, try buffalo cauliflower. The cauliflower can be prepared on the grill or in an air-fryer for a crispy texture, and dipped in buffalo sauce for flavor.
• Tofu tacos: Most everyone loves a taco, so why not make it with tofu? Tofu is great on the grill, or it can be made in advance into a soft, ground-beef texture and heated up at the tailgate site. Touchdown!
• Baked beans: Baked beans are a staple tailgate food, and they are a great protein source for the plant-based tailgate. Make sure you leave out the bacon so that everyone can enjoy it. 

Dip It, Don't Trip: Flavorful Plant-Based Dips and Spreads for Chips and Veggies 

• Hummus: Thanks to its chickpea base, hummus is a great option to incorporate for a little extra protein to pair with your pita chips or veggies. 
• Guacamole: Avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats and fiber, making it a filling dip choice for those long games that go into overtime. 
• 7-layer dip: A traditional 7-layer dip has refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes/olives. You can replace the sour cream and cheese with vegan alternatives, or swap it out with true plant foods like ground taco tofu or corn. 
• Cowboy caviar: A delicious mix of corn, black beans, onions, and seasonings is a great choice. You can make it ahead of time and keep it cold, or crack open the cans at the time of the tailgate for easy, on-site assembly.

Sweet End Zone: Healthy and Delicious Plant-Based Treats for Dessert 

• S'mores: Did you know that marshmallows are vegan? This makes s'mores the idyllic touchdown treat. Instead of the traditional campfire, try melting it over the grill.
• Rice krispies: Speaking of marshmallows, rice krispy treats are a great make ahead dessert that requires little effort to store. Just make sure to have wipes on hand for those sticky fingers!
• Popsicles: Cool down around the grill with a fruit based popsicle. These are a crowd pleaser that are fruit-based instead of dairy based like their ice cream alternative. 
• Grilled peaches: If you have never tried peaches on the grill sprinkled with a little cinnamon and possibly paired with ice-cream, then you’re in for a real treat. Of course, you can always omit the ice cream and serve with a dairy-free alternative made from coconut milk. 

Packing Like a Pro: Keeping Your Plant-Based Feast Fresh and Delicious 

Once you’ve got the menu planned, now it's time to pack it all up! Depending on how long you’ll be out in the sun, you may have concerns over food safety. Well don’t worry, we’ve got a play for that, too. 

Multiple coolers: It's best to bring multiple coolers. You need at least two: one for food and one for drink. This way you can minimize how many hands are reaching into the cooler that has food in it to help reduce the spread of germs or continuously exposing cold food to the heat. As a bonus, bring a third just for ice so you can top off the chill in your food cooler. 

Insect repellant: No one wants a bug in their veggie burger. Plan to pack your favorite form of insect repellent to keep the critters away. I recommend a citronella candle to light nearby to help limit the number of mosquitoes that fly your way.

Hand hygiene: Bring several options to keep hands clean throughout the event and before handling food. Hand sanitizer and wipes are a must. For messier moments, include hand soap and wash your hands using water from the cooler or a water bottle. 

Eco-Conscious Tailgating: Sustainable Choices for a Green Game Day 

While my team’s colors are red and black, I’m always looking for ways to make my tailgates just a little more green. Here are some of my tried and true suggestions:

Reusable supplies: Reusable cutlery and plates, napkins, and even cloths for cleaning can all help to reduce waste. Camping gear or picnic baskets often have reusable items included, so check to see if you have these laying around. 

Recycle: Bring a separate bag for recyclables. There’s a chance your tailgate lot may not have recycling cans, so be prepared with a separate bag to recycle those items yourself when you get home. 

Water coolers: Instead of individual plastic water bottles, consider investing in a water cooler that can be used to top off reusable water bottles throughout the event. Not only does this help save the planet, it will also save you money over time by not having to purchase individual water bottles. 

Fueling for athletics is important, whether you are playing on the field or just watching on the screen. Try out some of these satisfying plant-based options so that your guests can indulge no matter what diet their team is on.